The 2024 Old West: History, Guns & Gear Special Edition from GUNS Magazine continues a rich tradition of featuring iconic firearms, epic tales and notable characters of this captivating era of American history.

Guns of the storied Western frontier included in this issue are Winchester’s “Magnificent” 1885 single-shot rifle; the Civil War battle rifle: the 1863 Springfield; and the British Bulldog — the little big gun that truly won the West.

Old West also highlights modern firearms that pay homage to the period: AWA’s unique Mare’s Leg pistol, Ruger’s Super Wrangler .22 LR/.22 Mag., Taylor’s & Co.’s 1860 Sheriff’s Model, the Pedersoli 86/71 Droptine .30-30 and Henry’s Big Boy .357 Mag./.38 Spl.

The tall tales that originated from the edge of civilization were often rooted in truth. This special edition shares the stories of “Bloody” Bill Longley, a certifiable psychopath who left a trail of death in his wake, and a final toast to outlaw John Shaw, who was served his final drink from the comfort of his pine-wood coffin. The unsolved mystery of lost soldiers’ gold in an Arizona desert will pique the interest of today’s treasure seekers.

The issue also includes substitute cartridges for the .45, an intro to Cowboy Action Shooting in Tombstone, Ariz. and building a Western 1911. Reprised from the 1960s and ’70s, classic GUNS Magazine articles feature the guns of Mexico’s famed guerilla leader Pancho Villa and how Chuck Connors, star of TV’s “The Rifleman,” learned to wield a Winchester Model 92 like a machine gun.

A Kahr Arms CM45 enhanced by HS-Custom tops the gun giveaway in the Old West Special Edition. Custom touches include street-trigger hone, internal polishing, de-burring and Cerakote finish in Tungsten and Armor Black. The winner will also receive a Spartan-Harsey Fighter from Spartan Blades and FMG Publications’ Best of Smith & Wesson 2010–2019. Valued at $1,435.95, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at GUNSMagazine.com/giveaways.

Saddle up for more inside the 2024 Special Edition issue of Old West: History, Guns & Gear — available for purchase at fmgpubs.com and newsstands now.